I thought it would be interesting to look at two of Dr. Bernie S. Siegel’s Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind and Spirit that he shares in his book 101 Exercises For The Soul. It is always great to add exercises for one’s healing journey.

Exercise #46 – Tools For Healing – Start A Treasure Chest

Dr. Siegel points out that when we have bad days and if feels like “life suck’s”, most of us need help finding our way. With this exercise, you can identify and gather up the tools you need. 1. What tools would help? Material and physical tools can be helpful (take a walk, visit a special place, read a book, or go to a movie. ). 2. What emotional and spiritual tools can you rely on? (These may include a relative, a friend, meditate, prayer, or listen to nature ). 3. Write down your list of resource tools on slips of paper. This can be anything that gives you joy. Take a small box, label it your Treasure Chest, and place the slips in for safekeeping. 4. In times of distress or trouble, open your chest and take out the tools you need. 5. Place your Treasure Chest where you will see it every day.

Exercise #77 – Put Your Fears Away - Storage Box

Dr. Bernie S. Siegel points out in this exercise how many of us become preoccupied with our fears and worries. He states that there is a lot to be said for the saying “Out of sight, out of mind.” We don’t want to become unconscious of our fears and the way they affect us. However, for this exercise we will create a new home for them. 1. Pick out a special box and create a sanctuary for your fears and worries. 2. Each time you notice fear surfacing write it down. 3. Include what you are afraid of, the event that created the feeling, and how it challenges your peace of mind. 4. Visualize that once these fears are locked in the box, they are turned over to divine guardians for safe keeping. 5. Your fears will eventually dissolve, and when they do, discard the notes related to them in a ceremonial dumping, burning or burying. Hopefully you will no longer have to see or feel the discarded fears ever again.